Pradosh Vrat: Vidhi, Timing and the Seven Types by Weekday
How to observe Pradosh Vrat for Lord Shiva, why it is timed to sunset, the meaning of Soma, Bhauma and Shani Pradosh, and how the date is decided.
Pradosh Vrat is kept twice a month on Trayodashi, the 13th tithi, in honour of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Its special feature is timing: the worship happens in Pradosh Kaal, the twilight around sunset. See the upcoming Pradosh dates.
Why sunset?
According to the Skanda Purana, Shiva performs his joyous tandava in Kailash at twilight on Trayodashi, and all the gods gather to watch. Prayers offered at that hour are said to reach him directly. So the vrat falls on the day Trayodashi tithi prevails at sunset, even if it began only that afternoon. This is why Pradosh is sometimes a day earlier than the sunrise tithi suggests. Our calendar applies this rule automatically; read more about such rules in udaya tithi and festival timing.
Pradosh by weekday
| Weekday | Name | Traditionally sought for |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Ravi Pradosh | Health and long life |
| Monday | Soma Pradosh | Fulfilment of wishes; considered especially auspicious |
| Tuesday | Bhauma Pradosh | Relief from debts and illness |
| Wednesday | Budha Pradosh | Learning and intellect |
| Thursday | Guru Pradosh | Victory over obstacles and blessings of ancestors |
| Friday | Shukra Pradosh | Marital harmony and prosperity |
| Saturday | Shani Pradosh | Relief from Saturn's afflictions; prayed for children |
Vidhi: how to observe
- Morning: bathe and take a sankalpa to keep the vrat. Many keep a fruit-and-milk fast through the day.
- Before sunset: bathe again and prepare the puja space facing north-east.
- In Pradosh Kaal (about 1.5 hours around sunset): perform abhishek of the Shivling with water, milk, curd, honey and ghee; offer bilva leaves, white flowers, bhasma and a lamp.
- Chant Om Namah Shivaya 108 times; the naam jap counter helps you keep count. Find more Shiva mantras on SpiritualMarg.
- Read the Pradosh vrat katha and close with the Shiv Aarti.
- Break the fast after the puja, or the next morning according to family custom.
Pradosh and Shivaratri
Pradosh comes on Trayodashi, and the next night, Chaturdashi, is Masik Shivaratri. In Phalguna (Purnimanta), that Chaturdashi is Maha Shivratri. Many devotees keep both, making it a two-day observance for Shiva. See our Masik Shivaratri dates.